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Frequently Asked Questions

Bylaw Services Bylaw Services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
  1. Will I have to give my name and address and phone number?
  2. Will my complaint be kept confidential?
  3. What is the process after I make a complaint?
  4. Where can I find bylaw information?
  5. Where can I find zoning regulations?
  6. How can I make a noise complaint?
  7. Are fireworks regulated by the RDN?
  8. Can I burn material I have cleared off my land?
  9. How do I make a noise complaint in Area F?
  10. How do I find out what Electoral Area I live in?
  11. Will I have to go to court if I make a complaint?
  12. What are the animal control regulations in the RDN?
  13. Do I need a permit to hold a special event?
  14. My neighbours yard is messy, are there property maintenance bylaws in the RDN?
  15. When can I water my lawn and garden?
Question: Will I have to give my name and address and phone number?
Answer: Bylaw Services cannot investigate anonymous complaints. Your contact information is required to enable us to keep you advised of the course of the investigation and to contact you to obtain more information if necessary. The Bylaw Complaint Form can be completed online and forwarded to Bylaw Services.
Question: Will my complaint be kept confidential?
Answer: Yes, your personal information is protected and will not be released to unauthorized persons, including the person involved in the investigation. General details of the subject matter and findings of the investigation may be released.
Question: What is the process after I make a complaint?
Answer: You will be contacted by an assigned Bylaw Enforcement Officer to obtain further information and kept advised of the outcome of the investigation.
Question: Where can I find bylaw information?
Answer: The RDN has many regulatory bylaws. The most commonly applied can be viewed on the Regulatory Bylaws page. Please note that the interpretation of RDN bylaws to particular situations is made by RDN staff.
Question: Where can I find zoning regulations?
Answer: Regional District of Nanaimo Zoning & Subdivision Bylaw No. 1285 applies in Electoral Area F. Regional District of Nanaimo Land Use & Subdivision Bylaw No 500 applies in all other areas.
Question: How can I make a noise complaint?
Answer: There are several methods [ Click Here ] of making a complaint. Noise complaints generally require that a log be kept for a period of time by the complainant.
Question: Are fireworks regulated by the RDN?
Answer: No there are no regulations against fireworks use in the RDN.
Question: Can I burn material I have cleared off my land?
Answer: Clearing fires are not permitted in the Regional District of Nanaimo.
Question: How do I make a noise complaint in Area F?
Answer: There is no Noise Bylaw in Electoral Area F.
Question: How do I find out what Electoral Area I live in?
Answer: RDN Map is an interactive property information map, with look-up tools to help you locate addresses, roads and properties. Enter your address in the map system and your Electoral Area will appear as a single letter in the centre of the map.
Question: Will I have to go to court if I make a complaint?
Answer: If it becomes necessary to prosecute someone for a bylaw offence or for the RDN to take civil proceedings then it may be necessary for you to present evidence in court.
Question: What are the animal control regulations in the RDN?
Answer: Dog licenses are required in Electoral Areas E, G, and H only. Licenses are available at the Parksville/Qualicum SPCA, the Salish Sea Market in Bowser or RDN office in Nanaimo. Dog licenses are not required in Electoral Areas A, B, C, and the District of Lantzville.

Animal control enforcement pertains to dogs only and the bylaw regulations differ by Electoral Area. To obtain more information or to make a complaint, call the RDN Animal Control Officers directly at 1-888-754-1397.

Question: Do I need a permit to hold a special event?
Answer: In certain cases RDN approval is necessary before you can hold a special event. Check out the Special Events Bylaw for more information.
Question: My neighbours yard is messy, are there property maintenance bylaws in the RDN?
Answer: Except for Electoral Area F the RDN regulates the condition of properties. Property owners or occupants must not allow their properties to become or remain unsightly due to the accumulation of derelict vehicles, filth, discarded materials, rubbish or graffiti. The RDN does not regulate the overgrowth of vegetation or lawns.
Question: When can I water my lawn and garden?
Answer: Please refer to our "Water Smart" page for information on watering restrictions in your service area.